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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

A Day in the Life of Libraries: Snapshot Day

Last week the New Jersey State Library (NJSL) coordinated a day where many libraries in the state counted all the books and other materials checked out, programs offered, movies shown, storytimes performed and so on. Berkeley Heights Public Library participated in the survey and sent BHPL's stats into NJSL. The Courier News covered Snapshot Day in an article in today's newspaper. Pat Tumulty, Executive Director of the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) is quoted in the article,"We're looking at ... in these difficult economic times trying to figure out what would happen if we had no libraries in New Jersey by taking a snapshot of the incredible things that go on every day in New Jersey libraries."All the library statistics are due today and will then be tabulated. For the results, go to the NJLA website and click on Snapshot Day (not yet posted.)Here's what happened at BHPL on February 19, 2009:300 library users came through our doors.125 books classified as adult-level reading were checked out.109 childrens books were checked out.89 audiovisual items were checked out (DVD's, CD's etc.)10 new library cards were registered.29 newspapers and magazines were read in the library.55 reference and research questions were answered.55 people used the public computers for internet access.1 volunteer24 people watched a film at movie nightThe meeting room was used by 5 different groupsThe Technical Services Department cataloged 26 children's books, 28 adult books and 31 DVD's.On this blog, we often write about reference questions. On Snapshot Day, the Reference Desk helped a mother find a poem for her 7th grader, found the date and time of the Columbia University Commencement, found and photocopied home remedies for age spots, and figured out who the detective in the wheel chair is for a fan of the Lincoln Rhyme series by Jeffrey Deaver.

If you were to add up the dollar amount that represented in savings for BHPL patrons, it would be ... a lot. I figured I saved at least $1,200. last year by borrowing books from the library instead of buying them and that's only the books I finished.

Books we've read

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Adopted January 14, 2007The BHPL blog provides information on upcoming programs, library resources and services, and current library and literary news. Comments must be relevant to the topic and respectful of all BHPL patrons. In order to maintain an appropriate exchange of information, the following rules are to be followed at all times.All comments of the BHPL blog are subject to moderation by BHPL staff and will be rejected for inappropriate content including, but not limited to, sexually-explicit material; copyrighted or plagiarized material; defamatory statements; hate speech; violent, abusive or threatening language; personal attacks; commercial promotions; and private or confidential information.The BHPL blog may not be used for any unlawful or inappropriate purposes, including, but not limited to, transmission of any sexually-explicit material; transmission of copyrighted or plagiarized material; commercial activity; transmission of computer viruses or “spam” e-mail; harassment; or impersonation of another.Pursuant to federal law, 47 U.S.C.A. 230, BHPL is not liable for comments posted by users. BHPL is not obligated to take any action and will not be responsible or liable for any content posted. By posting a comment, you agree to indemnify BHPL and its officers and employees from and against liabilities, judgments, damages and costs incurred that arise out of or are related to the content that you post.Use of the BHPL blog will constitute acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to these terms, do not access the service. This policy is subject to revision at the discretion of the BHPL. Be sure to periodically review this policy to ensure your compliance.